William H. Medill

William Henry Medill was an American major and journalist who was a commander of the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment during the earlier battles of the American Civil War before dying from wounds after his wound Battle of Williamsport. He was also a compositor of the Chicago Tribune, which was edited by his brother, Joseph Medill.

Biography Journalism career William was born on November 6, 1835. The family later moved to Cleveland where he managed to become an apprentice of his father and became a journalist when he was 15. William was successful in his career as he rose from compositor to foreman in 1852 of the Cleveland newspaper Leader. He was then promoted to major on September 10, 1862. After the battle, Medill would comment:

Medill was also a known abolitionist, stating:

The 8th Illinois would also go on to participate at the Battle of Chancellorsville however during the Battle of Williamsport, Medill was mortally wounded by gunshot during the battle with one his final words being:

Medill died at 10 A.M. on July 16, 1863, after being transferred to a hospital and was buried at Graceland Cemetery.